OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION INC

HOLDFAST AUGUST 2011 - NUMBER 19

WWW.TUNNELRATS.COM.AU

SpecialOperations

Sappers

AFGHANISTAN:An IRR detachment with a 2 Commando Sniper team

head for a chopper aftercompleting their mission

Members of the Incident Response Regiment are Australia’s Super Sappers. Established less than ten years ago, they’ve evolved into a tight, proud unit of highly skil led, Special O p e r a t i o n s C o m b a t Engineers. Full story inside:

OUR COVER STORY ALSO INSIDE:

Jethro puts pen to paper

Report on Vietnam trip

Discovery at Nui Dat

EDD action in the Ghan

Amazing nostalgia pics

NAME: ADDRESS:

POST CODE: TELEPHONE: EMAIL: Cost includes packing and postage. You can pay by credit card (your statement will read “Ultimate Design Graphics”), or by cheque or Postal Order. Make cheques and postal orders payable to Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association Tick which card you wish to use: O Visa O Master Card O Amex Card Number:

Name on card: Expiry Date: Signature

Post to: Vietnam Tunnel Rats Assoc 43 Heyington Place Toorak Victoria 3142

PLEASE PROVIDE TYRE CODE NUMBER AS EACH COVER IS TAILORED TO THE EXACT SIZE

TYRE CODE (for example 225/75R16 110S ):

1: Stops nasty parking fines2: Eliminates road rage attacks3: Ends speeding fines forever4: May induce friendly waves 1 FIELD

SQUADRON

BADGEDETAILFROMTYRECOVER

$150Including delivery

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT16

11 MINE INCIDENT16

11 MINE INCIDENT16

1112NOSTALGIA PAGES

1 FIELDSQUADRONSAPP RE

TUNNEL RAT TYRE COVER

ALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATIONSHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORT

UV rated inks and vinyls ensure long product life. Hcover tensions it around the tyre correctly. Black piping on outer edge gives a look of quality.

eavy-duty elastic sewn on the inside of the

VIC

1 FIELDSQUADRON

Simple but effectiveThis pressure switch comprises two strips of bamboo kept separated by blocks of wood at each end. A nail through the top strip and a metal plate on the bottom str ip provide the electrical contact point to set off a charge of explosives. Wires from the contact points lead to the power source, several batteries wrapped in plastic.

3

Pages of great pics from the past to amaze and amuse. Contributions welcome. Send your favourite Vietnam photos to:

Jim Marett 43 Heyington Place Toorak Vic 3142.Or by email to:tunnelrat@optusnet.com.au

“I think you used too much C4 mate”Two Sappers inspect the damage after a demolition that may have been a little over the top. Does anyone know who the Sappers are, and more importantly, does anyone know what they’d just blown up?

A “Happening” gets out of handWhen the Boozer closed it was time to shift festivities to the tent for an illegal Happening (drinking in the lines was against the rules). With ample cheap beer, some of the lads got a bit untidy and scuffles were not uncommon. Here Ziggy Gniot (left) 2 Tp 70/71 plays peacemaker.

NostalgiaPages

Not quite The RocksThe Sydney bar located at 35 Ly Thuong Kiet Street Vung Tau was obviously trying to attract an Aussie clientele. If you were seeking a touch of old Sydney town you would have been a bit disappointed, but if you were looking for cold beer, hot women and the opportunity for cultural exchange with the locals, this place was as good it gets.

4

Early find by the original Tunnel RatsViet Cong grenades extracted from a booby trap beside a road after being found by mine detector by a 3 Field Troop member in 1965. They were set to be triggered by a string and comprised three friction ignited, instantaneous fuse, stick grenades. Note the Australian pattern gaiters and the ankle boots worn by the Sapper in those early days of the war.

“This looks just like Queensland”Sapper Brian “BC” Scott, a Tunnel Rat with 2 Troop 1 Field Squadron 1969 - 1970 wanders through a bamboo thicket while out on operations with 5 RAR in 1969. The Viet Cong often built their bunker systems in these types of bamboo thickets as they provided good shade and good cover from aerial observation.

Signs of the timesThree types of mine signs used by the Viet Cong to warn their own troops and sympathetic local villagers that there were mines in the vicinity. Photo: John Kemp.

NOSTALGIA PAGES

Copycat ClaymoreA Chicom DH10 directional mine in place outside a Viet Cong bunker system. With hundreds of small steel rods embedded into the explosives inside, these mines are very similar to the US claymore mine. The swivel stand enables aiming onto a target area. They were usually remotely detonated via electrical cables.

5

Checking out the charcoalDuring 7 RAR’s Operation Dandenong in 1968, a cordon and search of Ap Suoi Nghe village was carried out. These bags of charcoal found under a shelter in the village are being checked with a mine detector for booby traps or hidden weapons. The charcoal was used for home cooking, and most of the charcoal in the area was manufactured in Phu My, between Baria and Saigon. Workers at the kilns would be literally covered in the fine black dust created by the process.

Tankie makes a good call These Tunnel Rats in a Mini Team attached to APCs were asked to check this creek bed out before the APCs attempted a crossing. It was a wise move because the Sappers found an anti tank mine right in the position where the APC would have been forced to traverse due to the terrain. The mine can be seen in the bottom centre of the screen. The Sapper with the mine detector is checking for any anti personnel mines which were often laid near anti vehicle mines to catch the men who would be expected to rush to aid the injured from the anti vehicle mine. Photo by Ian Palmer.

Swamp RatSapper Bill “Ba Ba” Lamb, a Tunnel Rat attached to 7 RAR in 1970 slogs through a swamp in the Rung Sat special zone. A stop for leach checking would have been essential after this trek. No matter how tight your trousers were snapped around your boots with rubberbands, the leeches found a way in. Simply ripping leeches off left bits of leech behind and caused infections. The best way to get them off was to poke them with a lit cigarette, which caused them to retract and be easily removed.

NOSTALGIA PAGES

Student SappersThis photo was amongst many found in a cache near the Rung Sat Secret Zone. Rather than being an enemy “action” shot, the mine-layers are students on a course conducted in early 1969 and run by visiting NVA Sappers. They appear to be learning how to lay an anti-vehicle mine with a tilt switch mechanism. In a breach of normal security, the photographs originally named the students, making the find a bonanza for our Intelligence boffins.

6

All the comforts of homeTravelling as a Mini Team with the APCs rather than walking with the Infantry on operations was quite a treat. There was never a shortage of rations and water, and some of the lads had their vehicles set up like palaces (comparatively). Cooking stoves, Eskys and wash basins were common place. Some had portable showers which could be quickly rigged up when water was plentiful. Deck chairs and umbrella shades were popular. It was still hot and bumpy though, and they did kick us out at night forcing us to sleep on the ground - but maybe that was so they could be alone with their pin-ups.

Sappers clear the wayl On 17 February 1971 this M113A1 armoured personnel carrier No 31A hit an anti-tank mine, wounding three of the crew and damaging the vehicle. A Mini Team can be seen clearing safe paths so the wounded can be evacuated. Photo provided by Darryel Binns.

Illegal switchThis booby trap switch was on US issue in Vietnam and a few were seen floating around the Fie ld Troops of 1 F ie ld Squadron. Setting booby traps was not something Australian troops did, but the switches were good for setting up claymore mines in a defensive position.

NOSTALGIA PAGES

Chopper TrapSet up in likely landing zones, and usually obscured by tall grass or light vegetation, these devices were aimed at destroying helicopters as they came in to land. Downdraft from the chopper blades would tilt one or more of the bamboo poles. This in turn would pull instantaneous fuse grenades from the containers on top of the poles.

7

Controlled explosion tests new armour In a 15 month period from March 1968 to June 1969, 25 Australian APCs were damaged by enemy mines in South Vietnam. During this period, five Australian servicemen were killed and a further 30 were injured. Ten of these vehicles had their hulls penetrated by the blast. In June 1969, Australian sappers from 106 Field Workshop designed and fabricated two sets of right angled plates (for the port and starboard sides) from 12.7 mm (half inch) aluminium armour. One plate was fitted to the outside and the other to the inside which effectively sandwiched the section of existing sponson plate. Each new plate extended 1829 mm (72 inches) from above the first road wheel back to the third road wheel. Above (with the bare metal line visible above the first three road wheels), is a modified M113A1 APC which is about to be blown up using a 30 pound charge. The blast from the controlled explosion failed to penetrate the hull, (even though the vehicle was thrown onto it's side) and the integrity and viability of the newly fitted sponson armour was justified. Soon after, the Australian Army began a program to upgrade their fleet of M113A1 of vehicles. The upgrades later included full belly armour and a shock absorbing, collapsible foot rest for the driver.

Lucky YanksThis 155mm artillery round was linked up to a bamboo pressure switch and run over by a US APC - and it failed to go off, most probably due to dampness in the battery pack. It was June 1969 and the driver had just two weeks left in country. No doubt he bought a ticket in Tatts, or whatever the US equivalent is when he got home safe and sound.

“Careful now”Some trip wires are almost impossible to see or feel before it’s too late. This US soldier is about to get a big wake-up call. His only hope may be a damp fuse in the grenade or the stick pulls out of the earth rather than the pin! This drawing is from a series published in a guide to booby traps published in 1968.

NOSTALGIA PAGES

8

“I was just thinking – why can't we replace them?”Viet Cong soldiers discuss replacing 8RAR with a Viet Cong unit when its South Vietnam tour of duty ends, Stewart McCrae Cartoon Collection,1970. The Australian government had announced that 8RAR would not be replaced when it returned home from Vietnam in November 1970 and by Christmas that year the Australian Task Force was reduced to two battalions.

“I hope the Viet Cong know this!”

NOSTALGIA PAGES

History lesson

TUNNEL RATS STUBBY HOLDERS

NAME: ADDRESS:

POST CODE: TELEPHONE: TICK THE QUANTITY: O Set of 3 holders $27 O Set of 6 holders $49 Cost includes packing and postage. You can pay by credit card (your statement will read “Ultimate Design Graphics”), or by cheque or Postal Order. Make cheques and postal orders payable to Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association Tick which card you wish to use: O Visa O Master Card O Amex Card Number:

Name on card: Expiry Date: Signature

Post to: Vietnam Tunnel Rats Assoc 43 Heyington Place Toorak Victoria 3142

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

9

Loaded up and ready to go

Pedro Piromanski (2 Troop 69/70) is all kitted up for operations out bush with the Infantry. On top of the load you can see, he would have a bandolier of Armalite rifle ammunition, and his web belt would carry at least two pouches and several more water bottles (most of us carried eight of these). His demolitions bag is seen on the outside, midway down his pack. All up, including the rifle it is thought on average we were carrying around 45 kilos.

SHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORTALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION

Set of 3 $27

Order Form:

Set of 6 $49

STUBBYHOLDERS

NOSTALGIA PAGES

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

10

Special Operations SappersMembers of the Incident Response Regiment are Australia's Super

Sappers. Established less than ten years ago, they have evolved into atight, proud unit of highly skilled, Special Operations Combat Engineers

The Incident Response Regiment was in hand, right beside fellow Special Operations based on the Joint Incident Response Unit (JIRU) Command units including SASR, 2nd Commando which was established in 2000 as part of the Regiment and elements of 1st Commando Australian Defence Force's security arrangements Regiment, providing their specialist mine, booby for the Sydney Olympic Games. The JIRU trap (IED), search and demolitions skills. The incorporated the Chemical, Biological and similarities with how the Tunnel Rats operated with Radiological Response Squadron and also the Battalions in Vietnam are extraordinary some included a High Risk Search Squadron. forty years apart.

When the JIRU was disbanded in March The evolution of the Incident Response 2001 the Chemical, Biological and Radiological Regiment continues, as the Regiment maintains a Response Squadron was retained as an high tempo of training activities and operational independent squadron. deployments in Australia and overseas. Current

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks commitments involve Operation Slipper in the Chemical, Biological and Radiological Afghanistan, where IRR elements are increasingly Response Squadron was incorporated into the employing their highly specialised skills in support newly established Incident Response Unit (IRU). of the Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) The IRU was expanded and redesignated to form mission.the Incident Response Regiment in May 2002. Service in the IRR is unique, with members

The IRR provided a composite troop requiring special physical, psychological, (designated 'D Troop') to the Australian contribution teamwork related and intellectual qualities to to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This troop formed part operate effectively in support of other SOCOMD of the Special Forces Task Group and is reported to units. As such, specific physical and mental have operated with the Australian Special Air assessments, above the standard Army Service Regiment within Iraq. IRR personnel have assessments, have been implemented to ensure also formed part of subsequent Australian Special that these standards are enhanced, assessed and Operations deployments, including the current maintained in order to facilitate the roles and deployment to Afghanistan. functions conducted by the IRR.

Today, in Afghanis tan and o ther Testing the ladsdeployments around the world, the IRR works hand The Human Performance Cell (HPC) within

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

11 INCIDENT RESPONSE REGIMENT

IRR continues to develop and refine the screening in MOPP4, combat body armour, helmet and patrol process for meeting the stringent physical order (7kg)requirements for service in the IRR. The aim is to ?5km endurance march dressed in MOPP4 and ensure that appropriate levels of physical and patrol order (7kg)psychological fitness are achieved and maintained, ?15 km endurance march in marching order (28kg)in order to conduct the many physically and ?SF swimming proficiency test (400m in cams)mentally demanding tasks that the unit is required Personnel successfully completing the to carry out in support of Special Operations. CAFT are presented with an IRR qualification Confirming for the Basics patch by the Commanding Officer of the IRR. A

The IRR has standardised its Initial Fitness proud moment.and Selection Requirements to align with the Personnel who fail to achieve specific supported units within the Command. Preliminary standards within the initial assessment will be screening of new personnel is conducted prior to issued with a physical fitness conditioning program their arrival, with new march-ins subject to the first that will assist them to improve in these areas prior of several physical assessments at the to conducting the final assessment at the commencement of the intensive six month conclusion of the Reinforcement Cycle.Reinforcement cycle (REO). It is important to note that personnel are not

The initial physical assessment is designed permitted to deploy on Operations with the to gauge the initial fitness level of new march-ins in manoeuvre elements of the Special Operations order to determine their baseline fitness level, and Task Group without passing this test!is based on the commando Annual Fitness Test Getting serious(CAFT) standards. Physical assessments The Reinforcement cycle is undertaken to contained within the IRR CAFT are: achieve two key objectives: the ability to operate ?Push ups to a two second cadence effectively in support of Special Forces; and the ?Heaves development of specialist Engineer skills that ?Situps enable Special Operations missions. ?2.4km run in patrol order (7kg & weapon) The first objective focuses on an individual's?Combat Anaerobic Capacity Test (CACT) dressed

An Incident Response Regiment soldier searches a Kajaki cave system for

drugs and hidden insurgent caches

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

12

ability to operate weapon systems; to develop vehicle, helicopter, watercraft and parachute insertion skills; and to implement operational planning skills.

The second objective focuses on the unit's ability to deliver specialist capability, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal; High Risk Search; Technical exploitation; and the conduct of Chemical, Biological and Radiological operations.

Throughout the REO cycle, there is ongoing physical and mental assessment, allowing complete assessment of an individuals attitude and capacity over the entire six month period.

Upon successful completion of the REO cycle each candidate is considered by the Board of Studies, and a Record of Attainment (ROA) is compiled and issued to each participant prior to marching off the course. A Life Less Ordinary – IRRThese days, for those seeking genuine challenge and job satisfaction, the Incident Response Regiment is certainly the place to be.

The oft misused term “High tempo” says it all and is apparently the status quo for the youngest Regiment on the Corps' Order of Battle - a Regiment that has rapidly earned an enviable reputation of reliability on the battlefield and one that continues to evolve in synch with the latest high-order technologies and capabilities from around the world.

The Regiment has been singularly identified for a program of financial and technological enrichment - a clear indication of the Australian Government's commitment to its future. The opportunities to employ these emerging systems and technologies will be the real reward for those who march amongst the Regiment's ranks.

The Regiment is arguably the fastest developing unit in the Australian Army, and opportunities abound for those who are willing to throw caution to the wind and try their hand at a posting.

"You need only talk with someone in the Regiment to learn of the diversity of an IRR operator's role," said a current serving Sapper.

INCIDENT RESPONSE REGIMENT

An Incident Response Regiment soldier leads a Special Operations Task Force patrol, with mine detector ast the ready

PHOTO MIDDLE: Look familiar? A cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives

recovered by IRR members in Afghanistan looks exactly like cache photos taken 40 years

ago in Vietnam. BOTTOM PHOTO: Look familiar? A mine pressure switch crudely made from two strips of wood with metal for electrical contacts - exactly the same (except in bamboo)

as we encountered in Vietnam 40 years ago.

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

13 INCIDENT RESPONSE REGIMENT

"And you'll hear of the weird and wonderful places routinely travelled to for realistic training. But be warned, the training is tough, unapologetically so, and is likely to become tougher as the ever changing demands of the modern battlefield continue to shape the way in which the Regiment operates.”

The Regiment's typically high operational tempo is fast becoming one of its most common features, with very few of the Regiment's soldiers remaining “untouched” by operational obligations in any twelve month period since 2006. The unique suite of skills with which soldiers become equipped during their exhaustive induction training make them ideally suited to the wide range of support roles that the Regiment is routinely engaged in.

Soldiers new to the Regiment very quickly find themselves using every facet of their wits and training just to keep up with those more accustomed to the rigours of service in the IRR.

When asked of his experiences since joining the unit in early 2009, one soldier said, “…the pace at which training is conducted here is like nothing else I have ever experienced. Sometimes it's a good thing and sometimes it gets tough, but it wouldn't be the same if it weren't.”

Another commented that “…the difference at IRR is in what we do. There's real purpose in nearly everything that we've done since being here and that carries a sense of achievement that I haven't experienced anywhere else”.

ABOVE: Members of the Special Operations Task Group conduct first aid for local nationals

wounded in Tizak, Kandahar.The Special Operations Task Group includes members from

the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments, the Incident

Response Regiment, Special Operations Logistic Squadron and supporting units.

An Incident Response Regiment member scans the terrain ahead while on a Special

Operations Task Group patrol during winter in the Uruzgan mountains, Afghanistan

The ultimate memento of your Vietnam tour

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT16

11 MINE INCIDENT16

11 MINE INCIDENT16

1112NOSTALGIA PAGES

ALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATIONSHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORT

Superbly made full size, three dimensional absolutely realistic replicas. All mounted

together in a deep shadowbox frame

Frame contains 9mm pistol, Army issue torch, Armalite bayonet, 9mm

rounds, RAE Corp badge, your favourite Vietnam photo, Tunnel Rats logo, and engraved plaque with your

service number, name, Troop and Vietnam service dates

Authentically detailed

NAME: ADDRESS:

POST CODE: TELEPHONE: EMAIL: You can pay by credit card (your statement will read “Ultimate Design. Graphics”), or by cheque or Postal Order. The cost is $250 Make cheques and postal orders payable to Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association Tick which card you wish to use: O Visa O Master Card Card Number:

Name on card: Expiry Date:

Delivery not included. We’ll contact you about the best means of delivery to your area

TROOP IN VIETNAM: DATE SERVED IN VIETNAM: SERVICE NUMBER:

MOBILE:

Post to: Vietnam Tunnel Rats Assoc 43 Heyington Place Toorak Victoria 3142

Include a print of your favourite Vietnam photo or email it to tunnelrat@optusnet.com.auOr email order details or scan of order form to tunnelrat@optusnet.com.au

16

For many of the Vietnam Veterans it was get this back to Australia in one piece! their first time back there since the War, and every Highlights of the trip were: the moving one of them said “I should have done this years memorial service we held at Nui Dat (which we ago”. It was an extraordinary experience for us all in cover separately in this issue); the friendly drinks terms of what we saw and what we did. The itinerary together each afternoon after we returned from this time concentrated on visits to areas very touring (incredible comradeship – and we were all specific to veterans from the Engineer Field Troops, 20 years old again); sharing the trip with current and included a series of intimate meetings with serving Combat Engineers; and (for those that did) genuine former enemy, including ex-VC who had sharing the trip with our sons. lifted mines from the minefield and used them against us.

The Vietnamese Veterans from “the other side” (the VC and NVA) have evolved now to the point where they have built substantial and superbly maintained memorials to their fallen – each one featuring long Honour Rolls which not only name the soldiers, but detail the village they came from and the date and area in which they fell. Cross referencing these with operations you were on can make interesting reading.

We paid official visits to these memorials at Binh Ba, Baria and the Minh Dam Secret Zone (the Long Hai Hills) and laid wreaths at each memorial on behalf of the Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association, in memory of the fallen on both sides.

The association of the 33 NVA Regiment Veterans at Binh Ba made us particularly welcome, and presented us with a massive illuminated glass painting of their memorial. We're still figuring how to

The trip was for eight nights in Vietnam, (two nights in Saigon, then five nights in Vung Tau followed by one more night in Saigon). Areas we visited included the infamous barrier minefield, the

“The trip of a lifetime”The trip back to Vietnam earlier this year was a huge success, with 81 making the

journey, comprising 39 Tunnel Rats, 14 current serving Combat Engineers, five other Vietnam Veterans, 15 sons of Vietnam Veterans, and eight “worthless civilians”.

Memorial temple at the Long Phouc Tunnels

Friendly drinks at the end of the day

TUNNEL RATS TRIP TO VIETNAM17

Horseshoe, the caves and tunnels of the enemy's spellbound by the story and gripped by the emotion. base in the Long Hai Mountains, the enemy tunnel It was living history being laid out before our eyes. system at Cu Chi, the rebuilt enemy tunnels at Long Well done Clive. Phuoc near Nui Dat, the village of Binh Ba, the The comradeship enjoyed during the trip orphanage at Baria, Long Tan, Vung Tau (including was extraordinary and spread across all groups the “Back Beach”), and of course Nui Dat. within the tour. In particular there was a strong bond

Another highly memorable moment was and feeling of mutual respect between the Tunnel when we visited the exact site on the old minefield Rats and the current serving Combat Engineers. where Clive Pearsall (1TP 67/68) had been The Tunnel Rats were fascinated with what these involved in a mine incident in which he lost a close lads are doing in Afghanistan, and in awe of their mate. Clive wanted to visit the site to lay a wreath courage, fitness and “can do” attitude. The Corp is there in memory of his mate. in good hands.

After the brief ceremony, and while we were There's already talk of another trip! Let us all still gathered at the site, Clive gave an know if you'd be interested so we can gauge impromptu talk to us all on what happened that day. possible numbers – no commitment, just an The details were a vivid reminder of the indication. And give us an idea on what you think extraordinary things we did all those years ago – would be ideal timing of the trip. Email to Jim Marett and how they seemed “normal” back then. We were at: tunnelrat@optusnet.com.au

ABOVE: Welcome to Saigon - Current serving Combat Engineers CPL Shannon Higgins (left) and SGT Jamie Fields arrive in Saigon, safe and slightly shell-shocked

ABOVE: Greeted with flowers Richard Broadhurst (left),worthless civlian, and Nick Marett, son of Jim,

arrive in Saigon from their home base of Hong Kong

The Tunnel Rats gather around the Long Tan Cross

18

ABOVE: The big welcome dinner was held at the Continental Palace Hotel. The setting was grand and it

was great fun, but the food was beyond appalling

ABOVE: On our tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels we had our own private briefing from senior former Viet Cong who

had actually been based in the tunnels

ABOVE: Current serving Combat Engineer Graham Tarr heads underground at the Cu Chi Tunnels

ABOVE: Listen up! One of the daily morning briefing sessions held before we headed out on tour

ABOVE: Major General Mike O’Brian (7RAR 1970-71) gave several of the morning briefings, including this

one on “Our Enemy”. Staff at the hotel were awe struck when General Giap came up on the screen

ABOVE: The wreath we laid on behalf of the Vietnam Tunnel Rats at the superbly built and beautifully

maintained memorial cemetery at Baria for the fallen NVA and Viet Cong who were killed in the area

“That’s the spirit” a cup or two of the alarmingly strong locally grown Despite some of the lads keeping rather late hours, coffee. The briefings generally related to where we almost everyone made it to the morning briefings were going that day, and large printed maps of the each day. Admittedly, some were the worse for specific areas were provided to everyone to help wear and looked decidedly ragged until they’d had get our bearings and keep as souvenirs.

TUNNEL RATS TRIP TO VIETNAM

19

ABOVE: The whole tour group assembled outside the memorial hall at the site of the Long Phuoc tunnels

just a few kilometres from the old base at Nui Dat

ABOVE: On our tour of the Long Phuoc Tunnels we enjoyed a briefing from a former VC and former NVA who had been involved in the tunnels during the war

ABOVE: We visited the orphanage at Baria, donating basic foods and cash. The kids broke our hearts

ABOVE: Who said Norm Cairns never had a heart! Norm gives an orphan a much needed cuddle

ABOVE: The Tunnel Rat element of the tour gather around the Long Tan cross after we’d laid a wreath

honouring our fallen. The site is very well maintained these days, but you still need a permit to visit

ABOVE: Paul Jones (Tp Commander 2 Tp 70/71) was our acting Chaplain on the tour, a role he pulled off with panache and dignity. Here Paul conducts our

ceremony at the Long Tan cross.

Variety is the spice of life which Australian troops supported during the war. A feature of the trip to Vietnam was the wide variety We also visited the old back beach area of Vung of things we did and places we visited. There were Tau, where the site of the Badcoe Club is now of course visits to old battle areas and operational occupied by a flash five star hotel. This area is now areas, but also visits to the orphanage at Baria packed with hotels from three to five star..

TUNNEL RATS TRIP TO VIETNAM

20

ABOVE: We had a strong contingent from 5 Combat Engineer Regiment on the tour. Here the 5 CER lads

pose at the Long Tan Cross after our ceremony

ABOVE: Our piper (SGT Jim Davey of 5CER) brought style to our ceremonies and tears to our eyes with his

superb renditions of traditional ceremonial tunes

ABOVE: Clive Pearsall gives his heartfelt mine incident story at the actual site of the event

ABOVE: This guy and his wife used to lift mines from the Barrier minefield and lay them against us

ABOVE: Inside the beautiful memorial temple at the base of the Long Hai hills. It lists hundreds of VC and NVA killed in the area, listing the date they were killed

and the village or area of the action

ABOVE: The tour group makes it way across a narrow bridge over a ravine as they head up into the

Long Hai Hills. The impact of shells and gunfire could be seen on many of the large boulders in the hills

“I should have done this years ago” surface, but instead they saw a very friendly local For the Tunnel Rats on the tour who were making people and a country developing well. And they their first trip back to Vietnam since the war, their shared the experience within the incredible bond of continual comment was; “I should have done this comradeship we all enjoy. Many said they’d be years ago”. Some were expecting old demons to back for another trip at the drop of a hat.

TUNNEL RATS TRIP TO VIETNAM

21

ABOVE: “It wasn’t this hard the last time I was here inFebruary 1970!” The current serving Combat

Engineers give the old Sappers a hand over the hills

ABOVE: Sons and fathers (left to right): Tour organiserMr. Ha, Geoff Marett, Nick Marett, Jim Marett, and Mr.

Ha’s father, team leader of the entertainment group

ABOVE: Members of the entertainment group withsome of the lads on the tour at the hotels rooftop bar

ABOVE: Dinner at the Rex Hotel with the former VCentertainers after their memorable performance for us

ABOVE: Our group arrives at Binh Ba where we weregreeted with flags and a red banner welcoming the

Tunnel Rats from Australia. The burial site of the NVAkilled in this battle is to the right of the path we are on

ABOVE: Veterans of the NVA 33 Regiment welcomedus and talked of the wonder of old soldiers from both

sides respecting each other. They presented us with abeautiful glass print as a memento of our visit

Helping hand in the Long Hai hills and campsites our enemy once occupied. The The Long Hai hills hold many memories for going was pretty tough at times, but the young Sappers, most of them bad. After visiting the temple serving Sappers were quick to offer a helping hand memorial to the VC and NVA fallen at the site, our for the old buggers scrambling over the rocks. The group trekked up into the hills to see the old caves place was an eye-opener for us all.

TUNNEL RATS TRIP TO VIETNAM

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

22

The most extraordinary and the most memorable day of the trip back to Vietnam earlier this year, was Friday April 1 when we held a remembrance ceremony at Nui Dat for our 35 comrades from the Field Troops killed in action in Vietnam.

The April 1st date was significant, it was the anniversary of the arrival in Vietnam of 1 Field Squadron back in 1966.

On the day prior to the ceremony, Jim Marett went to Nui Dat with Mr Ha of OSC Vietnam Travel to look for a suitable site for the ceremony.

“We wanted it to be as close as possible to the 1 Field Squadron headquarters,” said Jim. “But we knew from past experience that this area was off limits because it was too close to an operating Vietnamese army base for (incredibly) our old foe D445 Battalion. You could always access our Troop lines areas, but the former Squadron HQ was in a secure area and guards at the base would send you packing if you got too close.

“We were in luck on our visit the day before the ceremony, because the base has been turned into a training unit and is now less security conscious. We could walk right up to the fence of the base.

“Mr. Ha and I headed in the direction the old HQ was thought to be, and found the concrete foundations of three buildings in an “H” formation.

ABOVE: The Rock, rediscovered on 31 March 2011 while looking for an ideal spot at Nui Dat

for our remembrance ceremony next day. BELOW: In April 1970, in front of 1 FD SQN

HQ building, Protestant Chaplain General G. Vertigan unveils a memorial (The Rock) to our

fallen comrades of 1 Field Squadron

A piece of 1 Field Squadron Vietnamhistory rediscovered after forty years

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

23

We figured these could be the HQ, with the Officers on it. Adding to the emotion on the day was the fact Mess to the left and the Mines Room to the right, but that the Tunnel Rats among us were able to choose it was all so overgrown we were unsure. which wreath to lay, with many having the privilege

“It was about then that I spotted 'The Rock” – of placing a wreath at the Rock for a Troop mate an almost triangular shaped rock which had sat they had served with. right in front of the Squadron HQ. It had been As the wreaths were being laid, the Piper blessed by the Army Chaplain General in April played in the background, and a current serving 1970, in remembrance of our fallen from 1 Field Sapper from SME (CPL Shannon Higgins) read out Squadron. the rank, name and age of the men we were there to

“Pulling the grass away from The Rock honour. revealed the concrete base it sat on, confirming it Once all 35 wreaths were laid, our acting was the very same rock, and it still sat there in front Chaplain (Paul Jones 2TP 70/71) read prayers and of the Squadron HQ foundations, some forty years the Piper played the Last Post, followed by a later. minute's silence.

“We had found the perfect place for our The Piper then played “Rouse” – and ceremony the next day.” something extraordinary happened. The end of the

The Rock is actually in the middle of a small tune “Rouse” is the signal that the ceremony is over farm, but the owner agreed to us all turning up the and it's time to move off. But on this day, in this next day – once we explained that 35 people hadn't place, nobody made a move.been killed on his property, and that it was an old All 81 of us stood there in silence for six to memorial to men who'd lost their lives in the war in eight minutes, not wanting to move, not wanting it to various parts of the Province! end. The only sounds were the birds twittering in the

There were 81 of us at the ceremony next trees, and stifled sobs from men remembering their day, including our very own Piper (SGT Jim Davey, mates and realising what we'd just done. a current serving Sapper with 5 Combat Engineer Eventually we moved off, to enjoy a BBQ Regiment). amongst the rubber trees nearby. The food was

Unlike remembrance ceremonies at home, great and the wine and beer flowed freely, but most in this case we were back at the very place we had of us were in a mild state of shock. We'd just held a all served. It was where we had all gone out from on remembrance ceremony for our mates, right there operations – from the RV point nearby or the at our old HQ in Nui Dat. Incredible.chopper pad below us. We had come back to that There's talk of an annual pilgrimage to The very place to remember our mates who'd gone out Rock, and we're negotiating with the farm owner to from there and hadn't returned. pay a small monthly fee to keep The Rock clear of

We had 35 individual wreaths made, each weeds and to perhaps light some incense in front of with the name and photograph of a fallen comrade it on a daily basis.

ABOVE: The Rock and new flagpole in position

in front of the 1 Field Squadron HQ at Nui Dat, some time in 1970. Does anyone know what

the canoe in the foreground was all about?

ABOVE: Sign pointing to the 445 Battalion base camp near the old 1 Field Squadron HQ

area at Nui Dat. BB 445 moved out in 2010, replaced by a recruit training unit

1FD SQN HISTORY REDISCOVERED

24

ABOVE: The 35 wreaths were placed on a long table prior to the ceremony so that Tunnel Rats could select a particular wreath to lay, usually for a former Troop mate

ABOVE: On our tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels we had our own private briefing from senior former Viet Cong who

had actually been based in the tunnels

ABOVE: Acting Chaplain, Paul Jones - Tp Commander 2 Tp Troop 70/71 (left) and Jim Marett - 2 Tp 69/70 (beside Paul) commence the remembrance ceremony

ABOVE: The lads line up, waiting to lay their selected wreaths at The Rock in memory of their mates

ABOVE: Our Piper, Jim Davey of 5 CER plays at our remembrance ceremony from atop the foundations of the old Officers Mess at 1 Field Squadron Nui Dat

A very special day the very place from which so many of us had set out Most all of us have been to many remembrance on operations, and to which some had not returned. ceremonies held in all parts of Australia. They are It was for them that we were there, some forty years always moving experiences, but this day in Nui Dat later. Despite the years that had gone by, the was something very special. We were right there at memories were strong and the emotions raw.

ABOVE: Gary Miller MM (3 Tp 69/70) lays a wreath at The Rock in memory of a Troop mate

1FD SQN HISTORY REDISCOVERED

25

ABOVE: 35 wreaths layed. Our comrades suitably honoured. This sight alone made the trip worth while

ABOVE: After the conclusion of the ceremony, all the former Tunnel Rats gathered around The Rock for a photo as a memento of the extraordinary day.

ABOVE: Yanis Atrens (Troop Commander 2 Tp 1969) tries the five star, silver service at our BBQ and buffet

at the Dat. It was never like this at the OR’s Mess

ABOVE: Following the ceremony we enjoyed a fully catered BBQ and buffet lunch amongst the rubber

trees nearby - a surreal experience

ABOVE: Graeme Gartside, Ian Pitt and Jim Marett inspect a rock found in the old 2 Troop lines area

which still had Sappers names on it from 69/70/71

1FD SQN HISTORY REDISCOVERED

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

16

11

26

The following article is a reprint of an article that drove down from Sydney to speak with my owner was published in the Tarin Kowt Times (TKT), a and run me through some tests. The usual stuff. newsletter produced by our troops in Afghanistan. Nothing too hard. Could I chase a ball down the

park and was I afraid of loud noises, simple MEET THE PRESS: An interview with Explosives algebraic formula! All too easy. Then all of a Detection Dog Bailey, aka 'The Tip Rat'. sudden, YONK! I find myself on a truck to Brisbane

for five months of the most intense dog trainingTKT: Thanks for taking time out of your heavy course in the world. Now I'm in the Army, WHAT schedule to speak to us. We appreciate that you THE...?normally don't give interviews so this really is an honour. TKT: Is it true that your original owners put your

profile on the internet to get rid of you, and that's Bailey: No dramas mate. Anything for you guys. how the Army found you?Let's just say you're lucky you don't work for WHO magazine!

TKT: Well, our readers would like to know a bit about EDD Bailey, the new rookie Detection Dog that exploded onto the scene from nowhere. What's your background, what are your likes and dislikes and what makes the enigma tick?

Bailey: Gee, this is a bit embarrassing! I was born in '06 in the hard suburbs of wintry Canberra. I grew up like any other young pup, chasing cars, digging holes, and licking myself inappropriately when guests came over to the house. The usual stuff that kids get up to. Then one day, two rough Army guys

Explosive Detection Dogs play vital role in Afghanistan

Military dogs in today's Army are being used as Explosives Detection Dogs (EDD) in a special search capacity to counter the high threat of improvised exp los ive dev ices ( IEDs) throughout Uruzgan Province of Afghanistan. The specialist unit is part of the Corp of Engineers.

Explosives Detection Dog Bailey

Sapper Shaun Ward with Explosives Detection Dog Ozzy waiting to board a helicopter at a patrol base north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

16

11

27

Bailey: Mate, I've heard those rumours too. Not that I've looked up the ad. I lack the opposing digits to surf the web. The next time I'm in Canberra on exercise, I'm going to find my old owner and crap on her lawn. Anyhow, I finished my training in and I was the only dude left in my class. Eight of us started, only four of us made it through the five months (Bailey, Sharne, Kath and Tammy). I heard Sooty works at Dream-World in security. He was such a above all other EDDs in the unit. With the intense twit! It was me and three Bitches (giggle). Can I say media spotlight always upon you, do you ever feel that (giggle)? Three bitches that passed out of the you may fall to the Ben Cousins syndrome?course.

Bailey: I have no idea where you're going with this, TKT: It's the question on everybody's lips back mate? I have never been busted for drink-driving in home. We have to ask it. Are you and Sharne, the Western Australia, although I must say, I'd probably other EDD with you here in Afghanistan, an item? had beaten Ben over that three-kilometre sprint

from the coppers and the 200-metre swim across Bailey: No, absolutely not! There is no truth to the the Swan River. I am also pretty sure that if I rumour and let me set the record straight. Those develop a drug addiction that my unit won't send me photos in WHO magazine, which are grainy and to a $60,000 rehab centre in LA. I'm nothing like inconclusive at best, were not of me and Sharne! Ben!We have a purely professional working relationship here. Look, She has nice markings and colouration TKT: What does an average day in the field on but Tammy (a pure Border Collie EDD at home in operations in the Ghan hold for you?Australia) is the only woman for me! Sharne and Iare just getting on with the job of looking for tennis Bailey: Well, there is a lot of stuff I can't divulge, for balls scattered throughout Afghanistan. operational security reasons, even to a reputable

publication such as the TK Times. But let me say TKT: You do know that your handler has tricked you this! Things aren't all rosy here in the Ghan. I think into thinking that tennis balls smell like bombs? there are a total of five or six trees in the entire

province. That can make a ten kilometre round-trip Bailey: Tennis balls smell like WHAT? foot patrol as pleasurable as watching the Titanic

move for three and a half hours after sculling three TKT: So tell us Bailey, you have been heralded as a super-sized Cokes and then being told the young messiah, an exceptionally gifted yet hot- bathrooms are out of order. And another thing, and headed EDD that stands head and shoulders this is to the good local folk of Afghanistan, I have

BAILEY SPEAKS UP FOR THE PACK

Explosive Detection Dogs and handlers serving in Afghanistan. (L-R) Corporal Craig Turnbull

with Tank, Lance Corporal Andrew Sichter with Bolt, Sapper David Brown with Bundy, Sapper

Stewart Conlin with Solo, Sapper Brenton Keemik with Aussie and Sapper Rueben Griggs

with Que in front of a Dutch Apache helicopter

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

28

two words for you, Sewerage Systems! For God TKT: So you've had your issues with your handler. sake, it's not hard people. I'm a dog! If you do your What about the rest of the guys?business on the ground right outside your front door I WILL be tempted to regress to my wolf instincts Bailey: Oh! Don't get me started. There are some and roll in it. That's my dirty little secret. I roll in poo! complete 'tools' here. By tools I mean precision There, I said it! built, sturdy guys that are perfect for this job. Yeah,

utter 'tools'. Hang on. I have this strange feeling TKT: Any messages for your loved ones at home? you're going to take those last comments

completely out of context too.Bailey: Yeah! Well, this might be a little awkward. I have a message for EDD Tammy, my girlfriend TKT: Finally Bailey, one last question. There has back at home in Sydney. Baby, I don't think that been some backlash within the Australian media we're working out. Look, we had a lot of fun last and green groups over the use of explosives year on course together. We were young and just detection dogs in Afghanistan, particularly after fooling around, girl! They were crazy days! But I am several of your number have been killed on in a different place now. I am like this huge war hero operations. What is your response to that?and you are, well, I'm not even sure that you are a pure-bred Border Collie anymore. Show me your Bailey: God! Tough question Mr TKT. Let me papers! Besides, I have found someone else. It's conclude by saying this on behalf of myself and all not you, baby, it's me. OK? the other K9 sappers. Life in the Army is the best.

We live with our handlers in the bush for monthsTKT: So we are coming towards the end of your on end, and that's a good gig compared to any deployment here in Afghanistan. Can you tell us, backyard-bound pet that gets walked to the shops Bailey, what are the things that you've missed most once a week if he's lucky. I'm in peak physical about Australia? condition from exercising hard everyday. No

expense is spared when it comes to my vet Bailey: Dude, there are so many things. It's settling treatments and my food alone costs $120 for a 20-in a comfy chair in a quiet cafe on a Sunday kilogram bag. Sure, my job can be dangerous but Imorning. The newspaper so fresh that the ink am a soldier too and I work as part of the team. comes off on your paws. The scent of a latte There is no one in the Task Group that doesn't know macchiato with the milk so frothy and light. It's the my name, and everybody that walks by me each cacophony of the sulphur-crested cockatoos at day gives me a friendly scratch behind my ears and dusk mid-summer. The feeling of dew on buffalo says “G'day, Tip Rat!” All of us EDDs are seeing the grass underfoot. But I would have to say the thing world, tearing around in choppers, planes and that I miss the most, the one pleasure denied to us trucks with all of our mates and we're doing it with EDDs here on operations, are the opportunities to tails held high!sniff the backsides of other dogs without my handler grilling me about the dangers of rabies! TKT: Thanks for your time, Bails! All the best for the Rabies, shmabies! Alright already with the rabies. I future.am so over the whole rabies conversation! He keeps harping on. (Using a whining baby's voice.) Bailey: No worries cobber.“NO! Bailey come! Don't sniff the strange dog's bum!”

TKT: So I take it from your tone that you and your handler have had some moments over here!

Bailey: Look. We have had our good times and our bad. We've basically lived in each others pockets for the last six months. Any friendship would suffer under the same kind of stresses. But at the end of the day, when I wake up next to him out in the 'dasht' after a hard night's searching, once I'm done grooming and licking myself clean, there is no other human face I would like to lick straight after. He's a good guy.

EDD Bailey

BAILEY SPEAKS UP FOR THE PACK

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

29

John “Jethro” Thompson served with 1 Troop 1 Field Squadron in Vietnam in 1967. He was a Plant Operator by trade, but when the decision to build an 11km long minefield was made by the Task Force Commander, Brigadier Graham, Jethro found himself laying mines instead of operating bulldozers and scrapers. ask. Based on the laying pattern and the size of the

With training for the task consisting of a minefield, it should have contained over 50,000 single demonstration lasting just minutes, Jethro mines, but only just over 20,000 mines were was in the minefield, not only laying M-16 mines actually laid. The minefield, meant to be a barrier (which he'd seen for the first time in his life that day) between the enemy and the villages, in fact but laying them on top of anti-lift devices. This contained huge gaps. Five Sappers were killed and meant first laying an M-26 grenade topped with an six wounded during the laying. A tragic waste of anti-lift switch in the ground, packing dirt around it to lives for which someone, one day will hopefully be secure it, then sitting the mine on top of it, packing held responsible.dirt around the mine to secure it, and pulling the pin At a critical point in his hospitalisation, Jethro out of the grenade, and of course the mine as well. made a decision, not only to live, but to make the It's certainly something which wouldn't pass “work very best of his life despite the challenges he knew practices” today, and to have a whole Troop of lay ahead. Sappers out there on the task with virtually no His recovery is a moving story of courage training is nothing short of scandalous. mixed incredibly with humour and typical Sapper

Inevitably the Sappers laying the minefield mischief, and Jethro has put it all together in a book began being killed and wounded, and Jethro's manuscript for which he is now seeking a publisher.

th The book is superbly researched and movingly incident on May 9 1967 was the first. Two men written. If you have any good contacts with were killed and four wounded, including Jethro who publishers, please contact Jethro by phone on los an arm and a leg, and frankly, was not expected 07-3216 8906 or 0488680360 or by email at to live.

It's a little known fact that construction of the Following is a sample from the book – the minefield was actually stopped well short of

opening page, which describes the horror of the completion, we suspect because too many initial mine incident on that fateful day in May 1967:Sappers were being killed and wounded on the

johnperle@bigpond.com

LEFT: Heading for more surgery - Jethro at the US 36th Evac Hospital Vung Tau in 1967.

RIGHT: Receiving his OA “Gong” in 2006 - at Government House, Brisbane with wife

Perle, Danielle Teefy and Brook Butler

Jethro puts pen to paper about his extraordinaryrecovery from horrendous wounds received in Vietnam

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE11 MINE INCIDENT1611 MINE INCIDENT1611161114A BAD NIGHT IN THE LONG GREENS

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

16

11

16

11

30

JETHRO’S BOOK

Tuesday 9 May 1967Whoompa! It was the unmistakable sound of

an exploding landmine, which I'd heard too often over the last few days. With enormous force I'm A third person is now squatting beside me. I catapulted into the air then crash back down on my don't know him. He has a small plastic pouch filled back. A cloud of debris is slowly raining over me. with liquid. I watch as he cuts into my right arm and The gentle rhythmic sound of soil landing around pushes a needle into the cut, I don't feel any pain. me can be heard despite the noise of the explosion Joe has been holding a water bottle to my mouth as I still ringing in my ears. I close my eyes to avoid the sipped slowly on it. With his other hand he takes the gritty sandy soil as it covers me. Had I trod on a plastic pouch and holds it above his head and hands mine? I feel no pain. My eyes are drawn to my it to another bloke standing close by. Someone else hands. Fingers are missing; others are hanging squatting behind my head has applied shell loosely. My arms are red with blood gushing from dressing to my hands. They turn red almost many wounds. Attempting to sit up I cannot feel my immediately. There is now very little noise, the legs. Had they been blown off? ringing in my ears has stopped. Mates are walking

Above the ringing in my ears I hear voices by and looking at me. They don't speak; just look calling for everyone to remain calm. 'Call Dustoff', I and move away.hear someone behind me calling out. Voices are getting louder and I can hear someone nearby moaning. I don't know who it is. Someone else is calling for the safety pins to be replaced in the mines. Another person replies that they can't replace the pins.

'Why not?' asked another voice. 'Jethro has them in his pocket' was the reply.

Sergeant Brett Nolen has come to my aid he is ripping open shell dressings. He kneels beside me shielding me from the sun and after looking at me silently for a brief moment he starts sticking shell dressings into my guts. I feel his hands pressing down hard onto my stomach. He tears open more shell dressing that look terribly small in his bloodied hands. I am not feeling any pain but blood is running I hear and then see two helicopters landing into my eyes, it's warm and sticky. Lieutenant Joe near where I had been relaxing with my mates' only Cazey has joined Sergeant Nolen they are telling moments before the explosion. Mates are now me about the lovely nurses who'll look after me once standing along each side of me. They bend down the Dustoff chopper gets me to hospital. The and lift me on to a stretcher; I cry out in pain but my thought of pretty nurses did for a while distract me cry is ignored, as the stretcher is hurriedly carried from what was going on around me as I lay in the towards the helicopter, A second stretcher is placed minefield, not wanting to think about my life blood above me. The helicopter engine roars and I feel the soaking into the ground around me. vibration as we race towards Vung Tau and hospital.

LEFT: M16 mine with anti-lift device.RIGHT: Part of the 11km long barrier minefield

11 ARMY COMBAT BADGE

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11 MINE INCIDENT

16

11

31 JETHRO’S BOOK

32

Latest list of Tunnel Rats

Here’s our updated list of former Tunnel Rats from 3 Field Troop and 1 Field Squadron RAE, Vietnam 1965-71. This is not a complete list, it is simply a list of all the men we have been able to find and make contact with. If you can help with names and numbers, please contact our “Master of The List”, Graeme Gartside on 08 8725 6900, or by mail to Graeme Gartside, 9 Park Street Mt Gambier SA 5290 or by email: ggart@internode.on.net

Neville Bartels 07 4055 9871 Robert Knowles 08 9535 6416 Les Shelley 07 3264 4041Bob Coleman 03 5342 0941 Bernard Ladyman 08 9795 7900 Jimmy Shugg 08 9776 1471Ross Comben 08 9535 2273 Warren McBurnie 02 6687 7030 Bob Smith 07 5456 1194Jack Green 07 3278 8719 Stephen McHenry 08 9344 6939 Mick Van Poeteren 03 9435 0383Ray Kenny 07 3881 3648 Eric McKerrow (Silent number) Gerry Wallbridge 03 9803 4223Peter Koch 04 3822 3100 Dave McNair 08 9725 2821 Dennis Wilson 08 8659 1189Mike McCallum 02 6288 5113 David Matulik 07 4055 1915 Stephen Wilson 07 5538 2179John Neal 02 9982 6694 Tony Parmenter 0417856877Clive Pearsall 03 9459 4470 Brian Rankin 07 4775 5095Terry Perkins 0413343168 Hans Rehorn 03 5623 5572Alan Rantall 03 9434 2031 Andrew Rogers 08 8087 5671Peter Sheehan 03 9390 2834 Mick Rowbotham 03 9439 7566Jim Trower 0418842744 Geoff Russell 02 6342 1292

Robert Russell 03 5975 53291 Troop (1968-69)Brian Sheehan 03 9336 3137Phil Baxter MM 02 4625 6213John Willis 03 9363 7878Adrian Black 0417756729“Snow” Wilson 08 9752 2935Peter Carrodus 02 9759 63832 Troop (1968-1969)Albert Eyssens 03 5944 3127 2 Troop (1970-1971)Ken Ford 02 6645 2738 Janis Atrens +371 2944 6521

Bruce Arrow 02 6288 3872Max Goiser 02 9792 1765 (This is Janis’s mobile in Latvia)Mick Bergin 03 5974 2175Peter Hollis 02 6581 5401 Bob Austin 02 6644 9237Graham Besford 03 9439 2661George Hulse 07 3399 7659 Ross Bachmann 07 5495 1443Mal Botfield 02 9872 2594Robert Laird 03 6356 1748John Brady 02 6888 1192Brian Lamb 02 6059 6947Keith Burley 07 5543 0990Kent Luttrell 0408387641 Peter Cairns 03 6267 4646Kerry McCormick 03 6344 5291Brian Christian 07 4778 6602Richard Reilly 02 6262 7374 “Sam” Collins 08 8262 6107Tom Smith 07 5594 4659Ron Cook 03 8787 7377Colin Spies 07 4743 4676Jock Coutts 08 9279 1946Garry Von Stanke 08 8725 5648Bill Craig 08 9530 1008Cliff Truelove 02 6495 7844Denis Crawford 03 9497 3256Ken Wheatley 07 4774 0045John Crocker 07 3206 7995Bob Wooley 03 6264 1485John Cross 02 4757 2273David Wright 03 9435 4131 Robin Date 03 9783 3202

1 Troop (1969-70) Tom Dodds 040672260Kevin Atkinson 08 9041 1571 Des Evans 07 4128 2390Larry Batze 07 4033 2025 Bruce Fenwick 02 4977 3530Allan S Coleman 07 4661 1924 Ray Fulton 03 6288 1176Don Beale 02 6971 2424Paul Cook 02 4946 5321 Ziggy Gniot 0418 885 830Richard Branch 07 4947 1044Garry Degering 03 9796 0136 Bob Hamblyn 08 8672 3930Harold Bromley 03 9726 8625John Felton 07 4661 8679 Cec Harris 02 6629 3373Peter Brunton 03 5156 5531Grahame Fletcher 0408822489 Paddy Healy 02 4930 7541Jim Castles 02 9639 2941Brian Forbes 0412047937 3 Field Troop (1965-66) Kevin Hodge 08 8322 2619P. “Guts” Geisel 07 4092 1735 Harry Claassen 07 3273 6701

Ian Biddolph 02 4472 9434 Paul Jones 02 6231 5963Terry Gleeson 03 5623 2886 Peter Clayton 0418 823 266 Alan Christie 07 5494 6628 Jim Kelton 02 6948 3927Trevor Kelly 08 9538 1184 Rod Crane 08 9530 3083Brian Cleary 07 5500 6363 Chris Koolen 03 5237 1147Des McKenzie 07 5448 3400 John Douglas 0433747401Allan S Coleman 07 4661 1924 Kevin Lappin 07 3273 8614Doug Myers 0421904562 Robert Earl 02 4990 3601Bill Corby 07 5502 1193 Gary McClintock 07 4788 0123Les Slater 08 9361 0603 John Gilmore 08 9795 6847John “Tex” Cotter 07 4723 1244 Peter McCole 03 5155 9368Max Slater 0412 772 849 Stan Golubenko 03 9361 2721Des Evans 07 4128 2390 Bob McGlinn 07 5426 1597Vic Smith 02 4339 2131 Paul Grills 07 4162 5235Wilfred Eyles 02 4390 0150 Ian McLean 02 6286 3928Dave Sturmer 02 8407 9812 Geoff Handley 03 5593 1791Ray Forster 07 3409 1907 Jeff Maddock 03 5442 2875Ross Hansen 07 3202 75401 Troop (1970-71) Geoff Green 03 6272 8167 Leon Madeley 07 5497 1038Wayne Hynson 03 5245 6898Mick Augustus 07 3205 7401Barry Harford 08 8088 4371 Butch Marsden 08 9921 6183Ray Jurkiewicz 07 3886 9054Eric Banfalvi 07 3201 8234Sandy MacGregor 02 9457 7133 Bill Marshall 07 5545 0389Brian Lamb 02 6059 6947Dan Brindley 02 6643 1693Frank Mallard 08 9377 4560 Rod O'Regan 02 6550 6068Phil Lamb 08 8564 2001Ian Cambell 03 9870 0313Keith Mills 07 4770 7267 Graeme Pengelly 0407 138 124Wayne Lambley 07 3851 1837Bruce Fraser 07 5499 0508Warren Murray 03 5728 3341 Des Polden 03 6223 3830Darryl Lavis 08 8263 9548Peter Krause 02 6723 2835Bernie Pollard 08 9248 3178 Keith Ramsay 02 6585 6503Peter Laws 02 4942 8131R Loxton 0419944755Ross Thorburn 0408413204 Mick Rasmussen 0428 790 645Bud Lewis 07 3881 1230Barry Meldrum 03 5427 1162Alan Tugwell 08 8552 5229 Ron Reid 0427 461 297Rick Martin 02 6928 4253Roger Newman 07 5450 6054Bill Unmeopa 08 9300 5561 Gary Sangster 0409 522 099Bill Morris 08 9384 2686Dennis Pegg 03 6224 9090Snow Wilson Jnr 02 6649 3998 John Scanlan 0488 132 903Don Nicholls 02 9579 4126John Pritchard 02 9626 3376 Peter Schreiber 02 6569 3390OC's 1 Field Squadron Colin Norris 02 4627 1180John Severyn 0407008610 Garry Shoemark 02 6546 6778John Kemp 02 6288 3428 Terry O'Donnell 03 5334 3443Garry Sutcliffe 07 4684 3229 Alex Skowronski 0407954570Rex Rowe 0419 251 420 Rod Palmer 0417672643Donald Stringer 07 4151 2659 John Smith 0400032502Ted Podlich 07 3862 9002Paul Taylor (NZ) (64)42990915 Roy Sojan 08 9926 1235Daryl Porteous 07 4973 7663Terry Ward 02 6566 6163 John Stonehouse 08 9653 1895Mick Weston 07 5444 3307Jim Weston 02 4987 7179 Peter Swanson 0401392617Ray (Phillip) White 03 9740 7141 John Wright 03 6398 6211 John Tick 04 3898 7262

2 Troop (1969-1970) Harry Eustace 07 5521 08562 Troop (1966-1967)“Arab” Avotins 07 4129 8012 Steve Walton 07 3261 9446Richard Beck 07 3208 5808Bruce Bofinger 02 4861 5715 Terry Wake 07 4786 2625David Buring 02 6254 6689Frank Brady 02 6555 5200 Dave Young 02 4283 3439Ron Cain 02 6586 1412David Brook 03 9546 2868Graeme Carey 02 6056 0997 3 Troop (1966-67)Jim Burrough 03 9885 8285Terry Gribbin 03 9722 9717 Wilfred Eyles 02 4390 0150Ron Coman 07 3355 7279Bill Harrigan 08 9447 1127 3 Troop (1967-68)Kevin Connor 0408 748 172Peter Hegarty 07 4169 0372

Ken Arnold 02 6974 1181Garry Cosgrove 02 4845 5153Graeme Leach 07 4777 8627Chuck Bonzas 08 9330 3490Arthur Davies 07 3408 15561 Troop (1966-67) Ken McCann 03 5985 3276Bruce Breddin 0418766759Frank Denley 02 6571 2056Dick Bentley 08 8386 2334 Rod McClennan 07 3267 6907Norm Cairns 03 6267 4629Roy Elbourne 02 4868 1493Nick Burgerhof 07 3271 1592 Noel McDuffie 0427051678 Kerry Caughey 03 5971 4188Brian Forbes 0412047937Ray Burton 08 8268 4575 Bob McKinnon 07 3267 0310 David Clark 08 8388 7728Grumpy Foster 07 4041 2321Joe Cazey 07 3710 8102 Peter Matthews 03 6250 3686Bob Coleman 03 5342 0941Graeme Gartside 08 8725 6900Allan S Coleman 07 4661 1924 Mick Shannon 08 8552 1746Jim Dowson 03 5662 3291Doug George 03 9889 2116Grahame Cook 02 4390 5159 Stan Shepherd 0412 232 197Barry Gilbert 03 5023 6657Greg Gough 0417 911 173Mick George 02 6882 8574 Bob Sweeney 08 9248 4432John Hoskin 08 8270 3002Brad Hannaford 08 8389 2217Alan Hammond 0423491091 2 Troop (1967-1968) Jack Lawson 0429 798 673John Hopman 02 9398 5258Cul Hart 02 4392 0912 M. Ballantyne 08 8298 2515 Peter MacDonald 08 9448 5418Chris Koulouris 02 4952 6341Neil Innes MM 02 9875 2962 John Beningfield 07 4778 4473 Barrie Morgan 0437861945Bill Lamb 0418 424 208Ken Jolley 02 6624 4066 Peter Bennett 0418915550 Viv Morgan 02 9331 3252Mick Loughlin 07 4060 3039Barry Kelly 07 4661 2898 Dennis Burge 08 8281 2270 Michael O'Hearn 02 4932 7509 Mick Lee 07 5543 5001Axel Kraft 08 9572 9597 Kenneth Butler 0414897889 Gary Pohlner 0427172900Marty McGrath 02 6059 1204Peter McTiernan 02 6557 5211 Harry Cooling 07 4778 2013 Tom Simons 03 6344 6058Jim Marett 03 9824 4967Gavin Menzies 02 6584 7257 Garry Cosgrove 02 4845 5153 Kevin Shugg 0411144500Bob Ottery 03 5199 2516John Olsen 0414433341 Peter Fontanini 0438 881 940 Frank Sweeney 07 3882 6025Bevan Percival 07 5537 1577Ron Rockliffe 02 9789 4302 Roland Gloss 02 6367 5324 Brian Thomson 0428551368Pedro Piromanski 08 9306 8169Trevor Shelley 0419784954 John Goldfinch 02 6674 0855 Alan Tugwell 08 8552 5229Ian Pitt 03 5349 2018Kevin Smith 03 9787 1506 Paul Grills 07 4162 5235 Vic Underwood 0429 907 989Jack Power 07 4955 3761John Thompson 0732168906 Ron Johnston 07 3351 1609 Murray Walker 08 9332 6410Colin Redacliff 02 9673 0597Ross Tulloh 0418223345 Eddie Josephs 0417882491 Glenn Weise 0427 741 170 John Ronaldson New Zealand1 Troop (1967-68) Lew Jordan 03 6397 3261 Mick Woodhams 08 9459 0130Brian Scott 07 3204 5691

Henry Baggaley 07 5433 0482 Ray Kenny 07 3881 3648 Bob Yewen 07 5532 4560Peter Scott (219) 02 4341 3782Reg Bament 02 6948 2524 John Kiley 02 4228 4068 Ken Young 02 9602 5204“Roo Dog” Scott 07 5535 6290Bruce Bevan 02 9580 3327 David Kitley 02 4735 4991

LISTS ARE NOW ALPHABETICAL

3 Troop (1968-69)Geoff Box 08 9731 2757Eric Banfalvi 07 3201 8234Barry Chambers 08 8927 8237Neil Garrett 03 5798 1522Brian Glyde 02 4455 7404Peter Gray 02 4285 8877John Hollis 02 6662 6660“Sam” Houston 07 5495 5480Phil Lamb 08 8564 2001Ian Lauder 08 9419 5375John Murphy 08 9493 3771John Nulty 02 6931 1884Ted O'Malley 07 4054 3472Barry Parnell 07 4947 1976Bob Pritchard 07 4779 0608Greg Roberts 03 5941 2269Don Shields 08 8297 8619Ray Vanderheiden 02 4776 1373 Wal Warby 0418240394Ray (Phillip) White 03 9740 7141

Three Troop (1969-70)Tony Bower-Miles 0412 317 306Chris Brooks 08 9271 2811Jim Burrough 03 9885 8285Terry Cartlidge 03 5367 1472Bruce Crawford 02 6628 0846Richard Day 08 8088 4129Phil Devine 0418 830 169Bob Done 02 4944 9321Ray Fulton 03 6288 1176Graham Fromm 08 8532 2561Doug George 03 9889 2116Graham Harvey 07 5445 2636Trevor Hughes 07 5532 3497Darrel Jensen 07 4938 7203Rod Kirby 07 4973 7726Peter Knight 02 6247 6272Gerry Lyall 07 3343 4725Phil McCann 03 5442 3459Chris MacGregor 02 4472 3250Norm Martin 02 4953 1331Jock Meldrum MID 0405 677 448Roelof Methorst (Silent No.)Gary Miller MM 07 5495 5647“Jacko” Miller 03 6267 4411Chris Muller 07 4653 0457Danny Mulvany 08 9356 6890Vin Neale 03 9786 1549Peter Phillips 0429362935G. Rentmeester 03 9735 5236 Gordon Temby 08 9757 2016Peter Thorp MID 02 6288 0008“Curly” Tuttleby 08 8952 6598Hank Veenhuizen 0407 487 167“Wonzer” White 02 9833 0580

Three Troop (1970-71)Steve Armbrust 07 5545 1073Errol Armitage 0427 855 482Geoff Ansell 0448 013 712Mike Barnett 02 9869 7132John Beningfield 07 4778 4473Darryll Binns 08 8988 5827Mal Botfield 02 9872 2594Ian Campbell 03 9870 0313Bob Clare 03 5439 5532Graeme Clarke 07 4128 4660Ted Clarke 03 5682 2584Allan J Coleman 02 9838 4848Steve Collett 08 9371 0075John Davey 07 3378 4316Chris Ellis 08 9398 1718Kevin Hodge 08 8322 2619Kenny Laughton 08 8297 4010Garry Lourigan 02 4844 5545R. McKenzie-Clark 08 9729 1162Robert McLeay 03 5386 1122Carlo Mikkelsen New Zealand 0064 9 4797857Ben Passarelli 02 9610 3949Robert Reed 07 3351 4440Paul Scott 02 6656 0730Les Shelley 07 3264 4041John Steen 0419772375Gordon Temby 08 9757 2016 David Wilson 07 3855 1370

Three Troop (1971-72)Ron Byron 02 6653 4791Brenton j Smith 08 8536 2923

SHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORTALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION

I w is h to o rd e r th e fo llo w in g m a p s (p le a s e tic k ):O A u s tra lia n a re a o f O p s m a pO Nui Dat Defence plan mapN A M E :ADDRESS:

P O S T C O D E :T E L E P H O N E :T h e c o s t is $ (P le a s e fill in th e a m o u n t)Yo u c a n p a y b y c re d it ca rd (yo u r s ta te m e n t w ill re a d ! U ltim a te D e s ig nG ra p h ic s ") , o r b y c h e qu e o r P o s ta l O rd e r. P le a s e m a k e c h e q u e s a n d p o s ta lo rd e rs p a ya b le to V ie tn a m T u n n e l R a ts A s s o c ia tio nT ic k w h ic h c a rd yo u w is h to u s e : O V is a O M a s te r C a rd O A m e xC a rd N u m b e r:

N a m e o n ca rd : E xp iry D a te :Post to: Vietnam Tunnel Rats Assoc 43 Heyington Place Toorak Victoria 3142

(each one approx 36"x26")Highly detailed with fascinating information

Superbly printed on quality paper

Huge historic maps

$49Inc Postage

Nui Dat defence plan map, with units, roads& all defence positions

$49Inc Postage

Australian area of Ops mapshowing all fire support bases

superb “Tunnel Rats” membership card is provided for Members, detailing your name, Troop and service in Vietnam.

Why we formed the Vietnam By wrongly claiming Tunnel Tunnel Rats Association Rat status, some men from non-

field Troops had begun to blur the line defining the unique role of the Our status seemed to be Tunnel Rats. If it became generally getting a bit blurred. It had reached accepted that all Engineer units in the point where any Engineer who Vietnam were Tunnel Rats, then our served in Vietnam was calling unique service would not be himself a Tunnel Rat. The members properly recognised. Nobody has a of the Field Troops fought alongside right to do that. We should not allow the Infantry plus they performed anybody to diminish something we their additional tasks of mine and are so proud of. The forming of the booby trap detection and clearing, Association is not an elitist thing, it is plus bunker and tunnel searching, The Association was formed simply intense pride in what we did bomb disposal and demolition. for all who served with one of the and a move to protect our status. Royal Australian Engineer Field

Troops in Vietnam. Membership is exclusively for men who served in Vietnam with either 3 Field Troop or 1 Troop, 2 Troop or 3 Troop of 1 Field Squadron.

The Tunnel Rats paid a huge price in casualties during this

service - with an average of over 30% of us being either killed or wounded during the six years of the A war. Our association was formed to recognise and honour that service and those lost comrades.

34

Join now - it’s only $50

If you don’t want to cut into this fantastic newsletter - simply photocopy the form

N A M E : S E R V IC E N U M B E R A D D R E S S : P O S T C O D E P H O N E : M O B IL E : E M A IL : F O R V E R IF IC A T IO N P L E A S E T IC K A N D F IL L IN D E T A IL S O F U N IT /S S E R V E D W IT H IN V IE T N A M O 3 F IE L D T R O O P F R O M T IL L O 1 T R O O P 1 F L D S Q N F R O M T IL L O 2 T R O O P 1 F L D S Q N F R O M T IL L O 3 T R O O P 1 F L D S Q N F R O M T IL L

T h e c o s t is $ 3 8 . Y o u c a n p a y b y c re d it c a rd (y o u r s ta te m e n t w ill re a d “U ltim a te D e s ig n G ra p h ic s ” ) , o r b y c h e q u e o r p o s ta l o rd e r . P le a s e m a k e c h e q u e s a n d p o s ta l

o rd e rs p a y a b le to V ie tn a m T u n n e l R a ts A s s o c ia tio n T ic k w h ic h c a rd y o u w is h to u s e : O V is a O M a s te r C a rd C a rd n u m b e r N a m e o n c a rd E x p iry D a te S ig n a tu re : P O S T T O : V IE T N A M T U N N E L R A T S A S S O C 4 3 H E Y IN G T O N P L A C E T O O R A K V IC 3 1 4 2

50

Please tick unit/s served with and fill in dates of service in Vietnam

Holdfast Newsletter is edited by Jim Marettand published quarterlyby the Vietnam Tunnel Rats Association Inc. 43 Heyington Place

Toorak Vic 3142Ph: 03-9824 4967(H)Ph; 03-9690 7888 (W)Mobile 0403041962

tunnelrat@optusnet.com.auwww.tunnelrats.com.au

Who can join?

Your Name

ARMY COMBAT BADGE

bunch of men. Super fit, bright eyed, smart and yet humble when they need to be. The Army is at its peak when it selects its Special Operations members. They get it very right. The result is an extraordinary group of men, totally focussed on their task, unbendingly professional, and unnervingly cool about being at the very sharpest end of the combat role in today's Army. You can see “Special” in everything they do – they even walk and talk differently to mere mortals. But underneath this rich persona, they are still proud Sappers. The traditional Sapper larrikin spirit is alive and well in all of them. Australia needs to be thankful that while we lead our soft and comfortable lives, these men are out there doing it hard and doing what our government asks of them. We’re in good hands.

Reunion: There are rumblings of us holding a The stickers: Included with this issue is a sheet of Tunnel Rats reunion in Sydney either late this year stickers. Two of them (Jim Cairns and Jane Fonda or early next year. The top feature of the reunion urinal targets) might be a bit controversial in these will be an official visit to the Incident Response kinder, less harsh times, but it's important not to Regiment, Australia's super Sappers. They've forget what traitorous acts Jim Cairns and Jane promised to roll out the welcome mat with an “Open Fonda carried out during the Vietnam War. They Day” to give us an insight into their incredible gear both openly supported the NVA and the Viet Cong and the way they operate in Afghanistan within the while Australia and the US still had men there Special Operations Task Force. We would also visit fighting. This appalling act of treachery will never SME (just up the road) to see our old home where be forgotten or forgiven by the vast majority of we all became Sappers. We would hold a Vietnam Veterans. remembrance ceremony for our fallen at the

Vietnam Memorial at SME. Send me an email or make a quick call to let us know what you think of the idea and give suggestions on timing.

Find at Nui Dat: On our trip back to Vietnam earlier this year we found a piece of 1 Field Squadron history – a ceremonial rock which had sat in front of Squadron headquarters. It was dedicated to our fallen from the Squadron. It's still there on its concrete base, over forty years later. Full details are given in this issue. It is now located within a small farm, and we are talking with the owner through our government tour company to see if we can arrange to keep the rock weed free and perhaps have incense lit in front of it daily. The government will not tolerate anything which looks like or is presented as an official memorial. Long Tan and Dien Bien Phu are the only two sites of foreign memorials allowed in Vietnam. We are also toying with the idea of an Annual Pilgrimage to The Rock, perhaps again timed around April 1st, the date 1 Field Squadron arrived in country. Let us know if you would have any interest in this.

Visit to IRR: I had the privilege of being a visitor to the Incident Response Regiment on the occasion of their birthday in early August. What an incredible

Sapper Jim Marett2 Troop 1 Field Squadron

Vietnam 1969 - 1970

35

Communist and former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Jim Cairns (Labor) hosting a North Vietnamese delegation in Sydney Town Hall in April 1975, just days before North Vietnamese tanks rolled into Saigon, causing a mass exodus of over one million refugees, none of whom wanted communism.

From the desk of the Grand Poo Bah

SHAMELESS FUND RAISING EFFORTALL PROFITS GO TO THE VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOCIATION

Personalised with the Troop/s you served with and your date/s of service. Superbly made, fully lined, and beautifully embroidered with the Tunnel Rat’s logo plus your personal details of service. These are tailored in

“generous” sizes, so order your normal size, not one size up.

Only

$100Plus

PostageOrder now!Don’t send

money, we’ll bedelivering it to you COD

Tunnel Rat’s Woolen “Bomber” Jackets

TROOP37/ 86 6

Jackets are in deep navy blue onlyTunnel Rats logo is black, grey and white

Personalised lettering is in red

3 TROOP67/68

ENLARGEMENTOF EMBROIDED

BADGE & DETAILS

NAME: SERVICE NUMBER ADDRESS: POST CODE PHONE: MOBILE: EMAIL: SIZE (Please Tick): O sml O med O lge O X-lge O XX-lge O XXX-lge PLEASE TICK AND FILL IN DATE DETAILS OF UNIT/S SERVED WITH IN VIETNAM O 3 FIELD TROOP FROM TILL O 1 TROOP 1 FLD SQN FROM TILL O 2 TROOP 1 FLD SQN FROM TILL O 3 TROOP 1 FLD SQN FROM TILL

Don’t send any money! Simply fill in the form above and post it to the address below. The jacket will be delivered COD to your local Post Office, who will advise

you when the jacket arrives. You then pay the Post Office $100 plus postage. POST TO: VIETNAM TUNNEL RATS ASSOC 43 HEYINGTON PLACE TOORAK VIC 3142